First baby endangered Asian elephant born at Smithsonian Zoo in quarter century

WASHINGTON D.C. (WTOC) - The Smithsonian National Zoo is celebrating the birth of an endangered Asian elephant for the first time in about 25 years, according to the zoo.

The female calf was born Monday to elephants named Nhi Linh and Spike.

Nhi Linh’s pregnancy lasted almost 21 months, and this is her first calf, the Smithsonian National Zoo said. See the baby elephant for yourself in the video below.

“After waiting nearly 25 years for an Asian elephant calf, this birth fills us with profound joy,” said Brandie Smith, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of NZCBI. “When you see the calf and those heartwarming interactions with the herd, I hope you’ll be inspired to help save this endangered species. What we learn from our elephants in D.C. directly strengthens our work to protect wild Asian elephants across Southeast Asia. I’m incredibly proud of our team, whose expertise made this moment possible for Nhi Linh and for all of us.”

Inspired by Nhi Linh’s name, which is of Vietnamese origin, the elephant care team has selected four names:

• Linh Mai [LIN-my]: spirit blossom. Linh means “spirit” or soul;” Mai refers to the apricot blossom, a flower associated with Tết (Lunar New Year), which begins Feb. 17.
• Thảo Nhi [TOW-nee]: gentle and beloved. Thảo means gentle or kind and is associated with nature; Nhi means small, little one, or beloved.
• Tú Anh [TOO-ahng]: Tú means talented or gifted; Anh means bright and intelligent.
• Tuyết [TWET]: Traditionally means “snow,” referencing her winter birth. 

Starting today, fans can vote for their favorite name by making a donation of $5 or more on the Zoo’s website, with $1 representing one vote. The polls will close Friday, Feb. 13, at noon, and the name that receives the most donations will be the winning name. Shortly thereafter, the Zoo will announce the calf’s name on its website. All funds raised will directly support Asian elephant care and conservation.

The zoo said its new addition will spend her first month or so bonding with her mother.